Chuck Moore swings at a pitch during the game between Kent State and Wright State yesterday at Schoonover Stadium. Kent State won 8-5.

Credit: Andrew popik

Sophomore shortstop Emmanuel Burriss was taking second base off of the field after Kent State’s 8-5 victory over Wright State yesterday afternoon at Schoonover Stadium.

It’s fitting because Burriss stole second base three times and added four hits to lead the Flashes (18-12).

Of course, the Flashes stole a total of nine bases.

Kent State coach Scott Stricklin said having Burriss batting in the ninth spot is like having two leadoff hitters in the lineup.

“He has been swinging the bat well and gets on base and helps set the table for the rest of the guys in the order,” he said. “It makes people nervous when you have Burriss on base. Pitchers start thinking about the runner and not the batter.”

But none of Burriss’ hits were more important than his last one. With the game tied at 5 in the bottom of the eighth inning, Burriss faked a bunt and hit a single up the middle to score Greg Rohan. The Flashes added two more insurance runs that inning to seal the game.

Burriss said he and Stricklin worked on the fake bunt in the fall and have finally gotten a chance to use it.

“We have said that when the infield moves in when I show bunt, then I can go ahead and swing away,” he said. “It’s pretty simple.”

Sophomore right-hander John Pacella started the game for the Flashes and pitched five solid innings but did not figure into the decision. He struck out five batters and allowed just two earned runs on six hits.

Stricklin said Pacella did exactly what he is supposed to do on the mound.

“He threw strikes and did a very good job for us today,” Stricklin said. “You need somebody to do that when they pitch games in the middle of the week.”

Sophomore right-hander Jason Seelman picked up the win for the Flashes, and sophomore right-hander Andrew Davis finished the game off with his fifth save.

The Flashes return to action today against Cleveland State at 3 p.m. at Schoonover Stadium.

Contact baseball reporter Joshua Hudson at [email protected].